Leah knew that she would be tested in regard to her loyalty, and she truly wanted to see Victoria succeed. The world belonged to men, was run by men, and it was nice to see another strong woman seated in such a revered position. Perhaps, with time, others might come to realize that it could be a world shared by both sexes equally.
“Her Majesty is ready for you.”
Leah followed the duke and Harlan into the queen’s private sitting room that was just as lavish as the rest of Buckingham Palace she had traversed. It was difficult to think that she might be walking these halls for however long it might take to apprehend the criminal that Harlan was searching for.
As Leah stood by and waited for her opportunity to speak to the queen, she had to marvel at how short Victoria was. Not only that, but her expression was solemn for one so young. At eighteen years of age, Leah thought she looked little more than a child, which, no doubt, was another reason some considered her unfit to rule. But Leah soon realized that the moment the lady opened her mouth to speak, each word was pronounced with a slight German accent and an air of authority. As someone who had been taught that one day, they would rule the entirety of Britain and its Commonwealth countries, there was no doubt this woman was the one in charge.
The esteem that Leah felt for the queen rose by degrees. She wished that everyone could see this side of Victoria, but Leah had no doubt the queen would soon prove her worth once she advanced to the coronation. Since it was some months before that would take place, as well as a marriage that would ensure the next heir, it was no doubt the country was anxiously watching, waiting for a misstep, a failure that would bring about the crumble of a civilization that had, until then, withstood more than the test of time.
“Miss Lindquist.”
Leah stepped forward. “Your Majesty.” As she curtsied, she cast her gaze downward in a gesture of respect, before meeting the queen’s gaze.
She could tell that the queen was sizing up her worth. “I understand you shall be the one to offer information to our government regarding any threats against this house.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You believe that you can be successful in such an endeavor since you don’t have any experience?”
Leah had to resist the urge to fidget. “I understand that I might not meet all the qualifications necessary for such an esteemed role, but I have had some training in espionage from my travels across the continent with my father when he was alive.”
“I see.” Victoria seemed to be trying to understand a complex puzzle, but in the end, she gave her assent. “Very well. On Wellington’s recommendation, I shall trust you. My private secretary will offer you the necessary information you need to make yourself comfortable during your stay.”
With that, she walked over and pulled a cord in the corner, in which a servant appeared and directed them back out of the room.
Once they were outside and in Wellington’s coach, he laughed richly. “I do believe you made a glowing impression with Her Majesty.”
“Do you think so?” Leah clenched her hands in her lap. “I wasn’t sure she liked me very much at all.”
“On the contrary,” the duke returned with the same, pleased smile on his face. “I shouldn’t be surprised if you were offered the role of one of her ladies-in-waiting when this entire affair reaches its conclusion.”
Leah’s mouth dropped open slightly as she turned to Harlan. He offered her a smile. “You were a remarkable success.”
She basked in his compliment, but the tight lines about his mouth concerned her. He was likely wondering if he had doomed them all by giving in to her pleas to assist. She vowed she would be successful and not let anyone down. She was confident she could see this through until the end.
She couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen between them once this was all over, and prayed it was the same, victorious outcome.
“That seemsto be wonderful news, and yet, you look as though you’ve bit into a ripe lemon,” Benjamin noted after Harlan had settled himself.
Harlan had gone to the hotel to meet with the rest of his men and try to convince himself that there was nothing to worry about. Not yet, at least.
Rather than add to Benjamin’s curiosity, Harlan shifted his attention to Lucas. “Have you heard anything new from the underground?”
Lucas shifted his glasses up his nose. “Not since Benjamin has been laid up.”
“That will end tonight,” the burly man announced. “I am sick of lying about like an invalid. I am well enough to finish this job.”
Harlan knew that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Benjamin was as stubborn as an ox when he set his mind to something. It would be useless to argue otherwise. He was similar to Leah in that regard. “Very well.”
Lucas gathered a paper from his satchel and handed it to Harlan. “Although we still don’t know for sure where our assassin may be hiding out, Hugh sent a list of notable people at the vicarage in Dudley that he might have engaged with, to see if there might be some sort of connection to the rebellion.”
“Like Leah’s esteemed brother?” Harlan noted dryly.
Lucas glanced at Benjamin, and Harlan realized that he had missed something of interest. “What is it?”
“Since his wife is directly related to Mr. Bernard, it might be worth looking into her background to see if she is a sympathizer to the French.”
Harlan slowly leaned back. He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. Could it be that simple? The answer plain as the nose on Benjamin’s face? “I shall need to know where Mr. Lindquist’s loyalties lie as well. It stands to reason he would be more of s subject of interest instead of his wife, if she is as docile as Leah might claim.”
